Ultraviolet Illuminator for Footwear Treatment

ABSTRACT

An ultraviolet (UV) footwear illuminator for footwear treatment is disclosed. In one embodiment, the UV footwear illuminator includes an insert adapted for placement in an article of footwear. At least one UV radiation source is located in the insert and is configured to emit UV radiation in the footwear through a transparent window region formed in the insert. A control unit is configured to control at least one predetermined UV radiation characteristics associated with the radiation emitted from each UV radiation source. A power supply is configured to power each UV radiation source and the control unit.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present patent application is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/853,036, filed 14 Sep. 2015, which claims thebenefit of: U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/050,126, filed on 13Sep. 2014; U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/050,127, filed on 13 Sep.2014; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/050,322, filed on 15 Sep.2014. Each of these applications is hereby incorporated by reference.Aspects of the invention described herein are related to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/478,266, filed on 5 Sep. 2014 and U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/630,692, filed on 25 Feb. 2015, each of which ishereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to footwear treatment, and moreparticularly, to using ultraviolet (UV) radiation for purposes ofdisinfection, sterilization, and/or sanitization of an article offootwear and medical treatment to a foot of a wearer of the footwear.

BACKGROUND ART

The environment inside articles of footwear such as, for example, shoes,provides favorable conditions for the growth of infectious biologicalmicroorganisms, allowing bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other associatedodors to proliferate. For example, foot perspiration within shoespromotes warmth and dampness. The excessive levels of harmfulmicroorganisms sustained in enclosed shoes may cause or promote variousfoot maladies. It is well known that exposure to ultraviolet (UV) lightof certain wavelengths, intensities, and durations can destroy orinhibit growth of surface pathogens. One approach to treating a shoeincludes disinfecting the shoe with UV light generated from UV lightemitting diodes (LEDs) that are mounted over an inside of a hollow shoetree that is inserted into the toe of the shoe. UV LEDs that emit lightwithin a germicidal range can be used to destroy microorganisms residingin the shoe. Another approach includes using an alternative light sourcesuch as a UV germicidal bulb in place of the UV LEDs. A third approachincludes using visible light LEDs or a visible light source, both ofwhich are less expensive and easier to acquire than a UV germicidallight source. Visible light LEDs or visible light bulbs can be usedbecause light within the visible spectrum inhibits or prevents furthergrowth of microorganisms as opposed to actually killing them. Anotherapproach which is suitable for commercial purposes, relies on using anenclosure to contain UV light emanating from a bulb inserted inside ashoe without the support of a shoe tree.

All of the aforementioned approaches can be implemented with safeguardsto contain the UV radiation exposure within a region of interest. Forexample, an opaque or a translucent barrier can be placed between thepropagation path of the UV radiation and any openings in the shoe. Onetype of a barrier is a seal set around the spine or heel of a shoe treethat is placed in the shoe. Another barrier includes a light restrictoror caps incorporated in the forepart of a shoe tree that are placed overany openings in the shoe. Another approach of preventing unwanted UVexposure entails activating the UV light source only if a thresholdlevel of ambient light is not detected. Ambient light detected inside ashoe indicates a light leak, which could allow UV radiation to escape. Alight leak could be the result of improper insertion of the UV lightsource into the shoe. Disabling the UV light source when a thresholdlevel of ambient light is detected by a light sensor, such as aphotodiode or a phototransistor, prevents unwanted UV exposure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the present invention provide a solution for footweartreatment of an article of footwear with ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

A first aspect of the present invention provides an ultraviolet (UV)footwear illuminator. The UV footwear illuminator comprises: an insertadapted for placement in an article of footwear; at least one UVradiation source located in the insert configured to emit UV radiationin the footwear through a transparent window region formed in theinsert; a control unit configured to control at least one of a pluralityof predetermined UV radiation characteristics associated with theradiation emitted from each UV radiation source; and a power supplyconfigured to power each UV radiation source and the control unit.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a UV footweartreatment system. The UV footwear treatment system comprises: an insertadapted for placement in an article of footwear; at least one UVradiation source enclosed in the insert configured to emit UV radiationin the footwear through a transparent window region formed in theinsert; and a wave guiding structure configured to distribute the UVradiation generated from each UV radiation source throughout thefootwear.

A third aspect of the present invention provides an article of footwear.The article of footwear comprises an insole insert having at least oneUV radiation source located therein configured to emit UV radiation inthe footwear through a transparent window region; a wave guidingstructure configured to distribute the UV radiation generation from eachUV radiation source throughout the footwear; at least one footwearcondition sensor located in the insert, each sensor configured togenerate a footwear condition signal representative of an operationalcondition; and a control unit configured to control operation of the atleast one UV radiation source and the at least one footwear conditionsensor.

The illustrative aspects of the present invention are designed to solveone or more of the problems herein described and/or one or more otherproblems not discussed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of the disclosure will be more readilyunderstood from the following detailed description of the variousaspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings that depict various aspects of the present invention.

FIGS. 1A-1B show an ultraviolet (UV) footwear illuminator according toone embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A-2B show an UV footwear illuminator according to anotherembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows an alternative insert for use with a UV footwearilluminator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a wave guiding structure having amultilayer structure that is suitable for use with any of the variousembodiments described herein;

FIG. 5 shows a more detailed view of a portion of a UV radiation sourcethat can be configured with a UV footwear illuminator described hereinto form a UV footwear treatment system according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 shows a graph comparing the transmission properties of various UVtransparent fluoropolymer materials that can be used in componentsdescribed in the various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 7 shows a UV orthotic illuminator according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 8A-8B show an article of footwear such as a toe shoe having a UVilluminator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 shows a UV footwear illuminator that can provide an uniformillumination of UV radiation according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 10 shows a UV footwear illuminator that can have diffusive elementsand toe protrusions according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 shows a shoe tree according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 12 shows a shoe tree according to another embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 13 shows a shoe tree according to still another embodiment of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 14 shows an illustrative environment according to an embodiment.

It is noted that the drawings may not be to scale. The drawings areintended to depict only typical aspects of the present invention, andtherefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the presentinvention. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elementsbetween the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As indicated above, aspects of the present invention are directed to asolution for footwear treatment of an article of footwear withultraviolet (UV) radiation. The solution for footwear treatment caninclude any now known or later developed approach that incorporates theconcepts of the various embodiments described herein. As used herein,footwear treatment can entail sanitizing, disinfecting, and/orsterilizing an article of footwear. Sanitizing generally means reducingthe number of bacterial contaminants to a predetermined safe level.Disinfecting generally means destroying pathogenic and other types ofmicroorganisms, while sterilizing is more extensive in that kills allmicrobial forms. Articles of footwear of which the various embodimentsof the present invention can be applied for use therewith can include awide variety of footwear. Examples include, but are not limited to,sneakers, shoes, boots, high heels, slippers, sandals, flip-flops,cleats, and medical walking boots and braces.

UV radiation, which can be used interchangeably with UV light, meanselectromagnetic radiation having a wavelength ranging from approximately10 nanometers (nm) to approximately 400 nm. Within this range, there isultraviolet-A (UV-A) electromagnetic radiation having a wavelengthranging from approximately 315 nm to approximately 400 nm, ultraviolet-B(UV-B) electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength ranging fromapproximately 280 nm to approximately 315 nm, and ultraviolet-C (UV-C)electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength ranging from approximately100 nm to approximately 280 nm.

As used herein, a layer is transparent when it allows at least tenpercent of radiation having a target wavelength, which is radiated at anormal incidence to an interface of the layer, to pass there through. Alayer is highly transparent when the layer allows at least thirtypercent of the radiation to pass there through, and a layer issubstantially transparent when the layer allows at least eighty percentof the radiation to pass there through. Furthermore, as used herein, alayer is a reflective layer when the layer reflects at least ten percentof radiation having a target wavelength, which is radiated at a normalincidence to an interface of the layer and is highly reflective when thelayer reflects at least eighty percent of the radiation. It isunderstood that a layer can be both transparent and reflective. Thetarget wavelength of the radiation can correspond to a wavelength ofradiation emitted or sensed (e.g., peak wavelength+/−five nanometers) byan active region of an optoelectronic device during operation thereof.For a given layer, the wavelength can be measured in a material ofconsideration and can depend on a refractive index of the material.

Turning to the drawings, FIGS. 1A-1B show a UV footwear illuminator 10according to one embodiment of the present invention. In particular,FIG. 1A shows the UV footwear illuminator 10 in use with an article offootwear illustrated as a shoe 12, such as a sneaker. The UV footwearilluminator 10 includes an insert 14 adapted for placement in the shoe12. The insert 14 can take the form of an insole, a footbed enclosure,and/or the like that is adapted for insertion into the interior of theshoe 12. In one embodiment the insert 14 can be permanently affixed orintegrated with the shoe 12. In another embodiment, the insert 14 can beused in place of an insole that is provided with the shoe, and removedand inserted as desired. For example, the insert 14 in this embodimentcould take the form of a removable insole, footbed enclosure, footcushion, orthotic and/or the like.

FIG. 1B shows a more detailed view of the UV footwear illuminator 10 andthe insert 14. As shown in FIG. 1B, at least one UV radiation source 16is located in the insert 14. The set of UV radiation sources 16illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1B can be located on the top and/or the bottomsurfaces of the insert 14. For example, since the embodiment of FIGS.1A-1B is directed to footwear such as a shoe, the set of UV radiationsources 16 can be located on any of the surfaces of the insert 14.

Each UV radiation source 16 is configured to emit UV radiation in theshoe 12 when placed therein. The set of UV radiation sources 16 shown inFIG. 1 can comprise any combination of one or more UV radiationemitters. Examples of UV radiation emitters can include, but are notlimited to, high intensity UV lamps (e.g., high intensity mercurylamps), discharge lamps, UV light emitting diodes (LEDs), superluminescent LEDs, laser diodes, and/or the like. In one embodiment, theset of UV radiation sources 16 can include a set of LEDs manufacturedwith one or more layers of materials selected from the group-III nitridematerial system (e.g., Al_(x)In_(y)Ga_(1-X-Y)N, where 0≦x, y≦1, andx+y≦1 and/or alloys thereof).

Although not shown in FIG. 1B, the UV radiation sources 16 can include atransparent window region through which the UV radiation emitted fromthe radiation sources passes towards a surface of the insert 14. Thistransparent window region can be formed of any UV transparent material,such as a UV transparent fluoropolymer, such as fluorinated ethylenepropylene co-polymer (EFEP), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP),polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene(ECTFE), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), perfluoroalkoxy (PFA),polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE),tetrafluoroethylene hexafluoropropylene vinylidene fluoride co-polymer(THV), low density polyethylene (LDPE), perfluoro methyl alkoxy (MFA),and/or the like. While primarily described in conjunction withfluoropolymers, it is understood that other comparable materials can beutilized for the transparent window region. Illustrative materialsinclude polylactide (PLA), fused silica, sapphire, THE, and/or the like.FIG. 6 shows a graph comparing the transmission properties of some ofthe above-listed UV transparent fluoropolymer materials.

In operation, the set of UV radiation sources 16 can function in acoordinated manner. For example, the UV radiation sources 16 can operateat the same wavelengths and intensities for the same duration, or thesources can operate at different wavelengths and intensity for varyingdurations. In one embodiment, a first set of UV radiation sources 16 canoperate at a target wavelength and intensity that is designed for thedisinfection of bacteria and/or viruses within the shoe 12, while asecond set of UV radiation sources can operate at a different targetwavelength and intensity that is designed for the medical treatment ofthe skin of a foot that is to be placed in the shoe.

FIG. 1B further shows that the UV footwear illuminator 10 can include awave guiding structure 18 in the insert 16 that is configured to directand/or deliver UV radiation that is emitted from the UV radiationsources 16 to a particular location/area within the shoe 12, in aparticular direction and pattern. Examples of a wave guiding structurecan include, but are not limited to, a waveguide, UV fibers eachterminating at an opening, a diffuser, and/or the like. An approach forforming waveguides using UV transparent fluoropolymers is described inU.S. Provisional Application No. 62/050,126. Further details of the waveguiding structure 18 used herein are described below.

FIGS. 2A-2B show a UV footwear illuminator 20 according to anotherembodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 2A shows the UVfootwear illuminator 20 in use with an article of footwear illustratedas a sandal 22. The UV footwear illuminator 20 includes an insert 14adapted for placement with the sandal 22. The insert 14 can take theform of an insole, a footbed enclosure, and/or the like that is insertedinto the interior of the sandal 22. In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 2A-2B, the UV footwear illuminator 20 includes at least one UVradiation source 16. The set of UV radiation sources 16 illustrated inFIGS. 2A-2B can be located on the top and/or the bottom surfaces of theinsert 14. Since the article of footwear in this embodiment is a sandal,the set of UV radiation sources 16 can be placed primarily on the bottomsurface of the insert 14. Although the insert 14 of the UV footwearilluminator 20 shown in FIGS. 2A-2B does not include a wave guidingstructure 18, those skilled in the art will appreciate that one likethat shown in FIG. 1B can be deployed with footwear such as the sandal22.

FIG. 3 shows an insert 24 for use with a UV footwear illuminator that isapplicable with an article of footwear according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. In this embodiment, the insert 24 can include atleast one UV radiation source 16 located on a top surface 26 of theinsert and at least one UV radiation source 16 located on a side surface28 of the insert 24. Although a bottom surface of the insert 24 is notshown, it is understood that the set of UV radiation sources 14 can alsobe located on this surface.

As shown in FIG. 3, each of the UV radiation sources 16 can be embeddedwithin a domain 30 of the insert 24. For clarity, FIG. 3 only shows onedomain 30, however, it is understood that each UV radiation source canhave a domain 30 with the following elements. A top surface 32 of thedomain can include a transparent window region through which the UVradiation emitted from a UV radiation emitter 34 passes there through.This transparent window region can be formed of any UV transparentmaterial such as those materials described with respect to thetransparent window region. An interior surface 36 of the domain 30 canbe formed of a UV reflective material, such as a reflectivefluoropolymer, such as PTFE, and/or the like, a UV reflective film usingaluminum, a highly ultraviolet reflective expandedpolytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane (e.g., GORE® Diffuse ReflectorMaterial), and/or the like.

The set of UV radiation sources 16 deployed with insert 24 can beconfigured in any desired pattern on the various surfaces of the insertthat is deemed to provide optimal treatment of the article of footwearin which the insert is placed. In one embodiment, the set of UVradiation sources 16 can be located in clusters along the top surface 26where a person's foot has the most contact to the interior of thefootwear. For example, the set of UV radiation sources 16 can bedisposed on the front and back portions of the insert 24.

The insert 24 of FIG. 3 can further include at least one footwearcondition sensor 38 located therein. Each sensor 38 is configured togenerate a condition signal representative of an operational parameterof the insert 24 and/or the article of footwear in which the insert isplaced. Examples of sensors that can be deployed as footwear conditionsensors 38 include, but are not limited to, a pressure sensor, amoisture sensor, a humidity sensor, a bacterial fluorescence sensor, atemperature sensor, a chemical sensor, a radiation sensor, a proximitysensor, and/or the like. The insert 24 is not limited to any oneparticular type of these sensors. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that the insert 24 can have footwear condition sensors 38that include one type of sensor or various combinations of thesesensors. Furthermore, the footwear condition sensors 38 can be deployedalong with the UV radiation sources 16 in any desired configuration. Forexample, the footwear condition sensors 38 can be configured together orseparate from the UV radiation sources 16. FIG. 3 shows one embodimentin which the footwear condition sensors 38 can be interspersed with theUV radiation sources 16.

The condition signal generated from the sensors 38 that isrepresentative of an operational parameter of the insert 24 or thefootwear that the insert is place therein will depend on the particularsensor that is deployed. For example, a pressure sensor can measure thefoot pressure experienced by the insert 24 and/or the footwear. Ahumidity sensor and/or a moisture sensor can measure thehumidity/moisture in the insert 24 and/or the footwear. A chemicalsensor can detect a level of a particular chemical and/or an odor ofthat chemical that resides with the insert 24 and/or the footwear. Aradiation sensor can detect a level of radiation (e.g., UV, visible,infrared, and/or the like) that is present in the insert 24 and/or thefootwear. A proximity sensor can determine the proximity of the footsurface of the wearer of the footwear to the insert 24.

FIG. 3 shows that the insert 24 can further include at least onefootwear treatment source 40. As used herein, a footwear treatmentsource 40 is any source that can provide a modality for effectuatingfootwear treatment to an article of footwear. The footwear treatmentsource 40 can include, but is not limited to, a visible source (e.g., aLED), an infrared source, a heating source (e.g., an electrical heatingpad), a vibrational source, a medical treatment source (e.g., ultrasoundsource, electrical pulse stimulation source), and a chemical treatmentsource. In one embodiment, the visible source, infrared source, and/orheating source can be used to work in conjunction with the UV radiationsources 16 to provide footwear treatment (e.g., sanitization,disinfection, and sterilization for removing the presence of bacteriaand viruses), while the vibrational source and the medical treatmentsource can provide a medical treatment for a foot placed on the insert24 such as a massage, pulse stimulation and/or the like, and thechemical treatment source can release certain antibacterial chemicals totreat the insert, footwear and/or a foot placed therein.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the insert 24 can includeonly one type of footwear treatment source 40 or more than one type ofthe footwear treatment sources or various combinations of thesetreatment sources. Furthermore, the footwear treatment sources 40 can bedeployed along with the UV radiation sources 16 and the footwearcondition sensors 38 in any desired configuration. For example, thefootwear treatment sources 40 can be configured together or separatefrom the UV radiation sources 16 and the footwear condition sensors 38.FIG. 3 shows one embodiment in which the footwear treatment sources 40can be interspersed with the UV radiation sources 16 and the footwearcondition sensors 38.

FIG. 3 shows that the insert 24 can further include a wave guidingstructure 18 that is configured to direct and/or deliver UV radiationthat is emitted from the UV radiation sources 16 to a particularlocation/area, along the insert 24, and in a particular direction andpattern that effectuates footwear treatment of the insert, the articleof footwear that the insert is placed in, and foot of the wear of thefootwear. As shown in FIG. 3, a set of diffusive elements 42 can be usedin conjunction with the wave guiding structure 18 to distribute the UVradiation along the insert 24, article of footwear and a foot that isplaced on the insert. The set of diffusive elements 42 can be configuredto distribute the UV radiation in a uniform pattern and/or in anon-uniform pattern. As used herein, diffusive elements are anystructure that facilitates scattering and dispersal of the UV radiationthat is emitted from a UV radiation source 16. The diffusive elements 42in FIG. 3 are illustrated in the form of small cylindrical-shaped knobs,however, other shapes and sizes are within the scope of the variousembodiments of the present invention. In one embodiment, the diffusiveelements 42 can be formed from material that includes an ultraviolettransparent material, such as a fluoropolymer material, fused silica,and/or the like. Other examples of materials of diffusive elements 42that are suitable for use in FIG. 3 can include, but are not limited to,an ultraviolet reflective expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE)membrane (e.g., GORE® Diffuse Reflector Material), and/or the like.Although it is not shown in FIG. 3, the set of diffusive elements 24 canbe separated from the interior of the article of footwear by a UVtransparent film, such as a fluoropolymer film.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a wave guiding structure 18 thatmay be used with any of the various embodiments described herein. InFIG. 4, the wave guiding structure 18 is illustrated as a multilayerstructure 44. As shown in FIG. 4, the multilayer structure 44 caninclude a radiation guiding layer 46. In one embodiment, the radiationguiding layer 46 can include a UV transparent fluid. In this case, thefluid has a transparency at least similar (e.g., within ten percent) tothe transparency of purified water for light wavelengths in the range of240 nanometers to 360 nanometers. In an embodiment, the liquid in thelayer 46 is purified water as defined by the U.S. Food and DrugAdministration. Examples of other materials that can act as theradiation guiding layer 46 include but are not limited to ultraviolettransparent materials such as potable water, anodized aluminum oxide,and/or the like. Methods of forming radiation guiding layers aredescribed in U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/050,126 and U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/050,127.

The radiation guiding layer 46 of FIG. 4 is disposed between refractorylayers 48. As shown in FIG. 4, the refractory layers 48 can includepillars, however, it is possible to have a refractory layer including nopillars. In one embodiment, the refractory layers 48 can include lowrefractory materials such as, but not limited to, a gas (e.g., ambientair), and/or the like. As used herein, low refractory materials meansany material having a refractive index at most ninety percent of therefractive index of the material forming adjacent layer(s) in astructure. For example, the material can have a refractive index in arange of 1 to 1.2.

Refractory layers 48 can include diffusive protrusions 50 to direct UVradiation 52 emitted from a UV radiation source 16 that is coupled tothe multilayer structure 44. Note that the amount of diffusiveprotrusions 50 per refractory segment and/or layer can vary depending onthe direction and pattern of the UV radiation that is desired, as wellas the size and length of the segments and/or layers. As shown in FIG.4, the top refractory layer 48 is configured with diffusive protrusions50, with more protrusions in the segments that are closer to the UVradiation source 16, and less the further away the segments are from theradiation source.

An encapsulation layer 54 encapsulates the radiation guiding layer 46and the refractory layers 48. As shown in FIG. 4, the encapsulationlayer 54 can separate the radiation guiding layer 46 from the refractorylayers 48. The encapsulation layer 54 can also form pillars present inthe refractory layers 48. FIG. 4 shows that the encapsulation layer 54can be shaped with diffusive protrusions 50 to facilitate the desireddirection and pattern of the UV radiation 52 emitted from the UVradiation source 16 via the radiation guiding layer 46. Theencapsulation layer 54 can include any of the aforementioned UVtransparent materials, such as a fluoropolymer-based material.

FIG. 4 shows that in one embodiment the UV radiation source 16 can becoupled to the encapsulation layer 54 of the multilayer structure 44. Inone embodiment, the UV radiation source 16 can be secured to theencapsulation layer 54 by placing the source in a highly adhesive UVtransparent material 56 such as such as EFEP, a similar fluoropolymer,and/or the like, and fused to the encapsulation layer 54. In oneembodiment, the fusion of the UV radiation source 16 to theencapsulation layer 54 can be performed at temperatures on the order ofapproximately 180 to approximately 200 degrees Celsius. The variousembodiments of present invention are not meant to be limited to fusing aUV radiation source 16 to the radiation guiding layer and those skilledin the art will appreciate that other approaches that can opticallycouple these elements exist.

FIG. 5 shows a more detailed view of a portion of a UV radiation source16 that can be configured with a UV footwear illuminator describedherein to form a UV footwear treatment system 58 according to oneembodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the UV footweartreatment system 58 can include a set of UV radiation sources 16A, 16Blocated adjacent to a respective UV transparent window region 60A, and60B. In operation, the UV radiation source 16A emits UV radiation 52Athrough UV transparent window region 60A, while UV radiation source 16Bemits UV radiation 52B through UV transparent window region 60B.Although not shown in FIG. 5, UV radiation 52A and 52B can be directedfrom UV transparent window region 60A and 60B, respectively, through asurface of the insert and towards a specific portion thereof, and/or aspecific portion of the article of footwear, and/or a foot placed insidethe footwear via a wave guiding structure and/or diffusive elements ifutilized. Any one of the aforementioned examples of UV radiation sourcescan be used for UV radiation sources 16A and 16B. Likewise, any one ofthe aforementioned UV transparent materials can be used for UVtransparent window regions 60A and 60B.

The UV footwear treatment system 58 of FIG. 5 can further include acontrol unit 66 to manage operation of the UV radiation sources 16A and16B. In one embodiment, the control unit 66 can control at least one ofa plurality of predetermined UV radiation characteristics associatedwith the UV radiation 52A and 52B emitted from the UV radiation sources16A and 16B. The predetermined UV radiation characteristics that can becontrolled by the control unit 66 can include wavelengths, intensities,and durations and/or the like. In one embodiment, the control unit 66can control the wavelength of UV radiation and intensity spatially overan insert and/or the article of footwear in which the UV footweartreatment system 58 can be used. As an example, control unit 66 cancontrol UV radiation source 16A to operate at a target wavelength andintensity for a duration that is designed for the disinfection ofbacteria and/or viruses within an article of footwear. During this time,the control unit 66 can control UV radiation source 16B to operate at adifferent target wavelength and intensity for a specified duration thatis designed for the medical treatment of the skin of a foot that is tobe placed in the footwear. Those skilled in the art will readilyappreciate that there are many possibilities in how the control unit 66can control the UV radiation sources 16A and 16B.

Control unit 66 can also receive condition signals representative ofcertain operational parameters of the insert and/or the article offootwear in which the insert is placed from a footwear condition sensor38 located at each end of the structure. As shown in FIG. 5, thefootwear condition sensors 38 can be placed proximate the UV radiationsources 16A and 16B and the UV transparent window regions 60A and 60B.In one embodiment, the footwear condition sensors 38 can be placedbetween the respective UV radiation sources and UV transparent windowregions. Any one of the aforementioned footwear condition sensors 38 issuitable for use with the UV footwear treatment system 58 illustrated inFIG. 5. In operation, the control unit 66 can receive the conditionsignals from the footwear condition sensors 38 and turn on or off the UVradiation sources dependent upon the detected conditions via an actuator68. Likewise, the control unit 66 can adjust one or more of the UVradiation characteristics based on the detected conditions. In oneembodiment, a footwear condition sensor 38 can detect a motion conditionsignal, which the control unit 66 uses as an input, and turn on or offthe set of UV radiation sources 16A and 16B. Similarly, the control unit66 can use the motion condition signal to adjust the intensity, thewavelength, the duration and or the pattern of the UV radiation 52A and52B emitted from the UV radiation sources 16A and 16B, respectively.

As an example, the motion sensed at the footwear condition sensors 38can indicate the pressure of a foot, vibration during walking, and/orthe like, which is provided to the control unit 66 in the form of acondition signal which it uses to control the UV radiation sources. Itis understood that although the above examples describe a motion sensedby the footwear condition sensors 38, motion is not necessary for thecontrol unit to manage the UV radiation sources 16A and 16B. Forexample, in another embodiment, a capacitive touch footwear conditionsensor 38 that does not rely on motion can be used to provide a signalto the control unit 66 to turn on or off the set of UV radiationsources. In another example, where a footwear condition sensor 38 takesthe form of a pressure sensor, the control unit 66 can use a detectedpressure signal for determining the presence of a foot. In this manner,the control unit 66 can cause the UV radiation sources 16A and 16B toswitch from radiating in the UV-C range, which is optimal for germicidal(e.g., disinfection) purposes, to radiating in the UV-B range, which isoptimal for the medical treatment of the foot.

Although not shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 66 can receive thecondition signals from the footwear condition sensors 38 to control theoperation of any footwear treatment sources 40 that may be deployed bythe UV footwear treatment system 58. As mentioned before, the footweartreatment source 40 can include, but is not limited to, visible sources,infrared sources, heating sources, vibrational sources, medicaltreatment sources, and chemical treatment sources.

The control unit 66 can include a timer 70 with switches and/or the liketo manage the duration that the UV radiation sources 16A and 16B are onfor a particular treatment. For example, the control unit 66 operatingin conjunction with the timer 70 can manage the amount of time that theUV radiation sources 16A and 16B radiate in the UV-C range versus theUV-B range. Similarly, the control unit 66 and the timer 70 can be usedto control the duration of the operation of a footwear treatment source.The duration and frequency treatment that the UV radiation sources 16Aand 16B and/or footwear treatment sources are utilized can depend ondetected condition signals as well as any other predetermined footweartreatment factors such as the length that a particular article offootwear has been worn, following a set predefined treatment schedule.

The control unit 66 can also include a wireless transmitter and receiver72 that is configured to communicate with a remote location via WiFi,BLUETOOTH, and/or the like. As used herein, a remote location is alocation that is apart from the UV footwear treatment system 58, theinsert and the footwear used therewith. For example, a remote computercan be used to transmit operational instructions to the wirelesstransmitter and receiver 72. The operational instruction can be used toprogram functions performed and managed by the control unit 66. Inanother embodiment, the wireless transmitter and receiver 72 cantransmit footwear treatment results, data from the various footwearcondition sensors to the remote computer, to facilitate maintenance anddiagnostic operations on the UV footwear treatment system 58, etc.

The UV footwear treatment system 58 of FIG. 5, can further include apower source 74 that is configured to power each of the UV radiationsources 16A and 16B, the control unit 66 and the footwear conditionsensors 38. In one embodiment, the power source 74 can take the form ofone or more batteries. As shown in FIG. 5, a threading 76 can be used toprovide access to the power source 74. In particular, the threading 76allows an end of the UV footwear treatment system 58 to be removed. Thethreading 76 can provide a watertight seal between that particular endand the remaining portion of the UV footwear treatment system 58.Although FIG. 5 shows threading 76 for removably securing an end of theUV footwear treatment system 58, it is understood that any form ofconnection that forms a watertight seal, such as a gasket, and/or thelike, can be utilized to secure the end to the remaining portion of theUV footwear treatment system 58. Furthermore, although a threading 76 isnot shown at the opposite end, it is understood that a similarconnection can be provided at this particular region of the UV footweartreatment system 58.

In addition to access and removal of the power source 74 the threading76 allows for insertion and removal of one or more other componentslocated in the UV footwear treatment system 58. For example, in oneembodiment, the end coupled to threading 76 can be removed to replacethe set of batteries used for powering the set of UV radiation sources16A and 16B, the control unit 66, the footwear condition sensors 38, andany other components within the UV footwear treatment system 58.Although the power source 74 shown in FIG. 5 takes the form ofbatteries, it is understood that the UV footwear treatment system 58 caninclude other power supply components. For example, the power supply 74can include a vibration power generator 62, which can generate powerbased on magnetic inducted oscillations or stresses developed on apiezoelectric crystal 64. In another embodiment, the power source 74 caninclude a super capacitor that is rechargeable. Other power componentsthat are suitable for use as the power source 74 for the UV footweartreatment system 58 include a mechanical energy to electrical energyconverter such as a piezoelectric crystal. The various embodiments ofthe present invention are not limited to using only one particular powersupply modality. For example, a vibration power generator 62 can be usedto generate power while a set of batteries 74 can be used to store thepower generated from the vibration power generator 62.

In another embodiment, the power source 74 can be a rechargeable device.For example, a vibration power generator can be configured withrechargeable componentry. In another example, a wireless charging systemcan be used to charge the vibration power generator 62 from anelectromagnetic signal. In yet another example, a charge can be providedby the use of a piezoelectric crystal that functions according tomechanical pressure. The type of power supply and the particularfootwear treatment that is performed are factors that can determine howoften a recharging operation is needed. For example, a typical LED,operating at 20 mill amperes (mA), with a coin battery rated 225milli-ampere hour (mAH), can operate in a continuous mode for about 10hours. For a typical LED, operating at 20 mA, with a coin battery rated225 mAH, the LED can operate in a continuous mode for about 10 hours. Atypical disinfection treatment session may last on the order of 10minutes, thus resulting in approximately 60 disinfection sessions forthe UV footwear treatment system 58 before the battery would need to berecharged or changed. For an extended life in this scenario, two or morecoin batteries can be employed within the UV footwear treatment system58.

The UV footwear treatment system 58 of FIG. 5 is shown having a prolatespheroid shape (e.g., football) with ends connected by elongated sides.In one embodiment, the UV footwear treatment system 58 with the prolatespheroid shape can have at most a volume of approximately 75 cm³.Although the UV footwear treatment system 58 is shown as a prolatespheroid shape, those skilled in the art will appreciate that theprolate spheroid shape is only illustrative and that the UV footweartreatment system 58 can take the form of any shape.

FIG. 7 shows a UV footwear illuminator used as an orthotic for placementinto an article of footwear that can alleviate various foot ailmentssuch as arch pain, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and the like. Inparticular, FIG. 7 shows a UV orthotic illuminator 78 according to oneembodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the UV orthoticilluminator 78 can include UV radiation sources 16, footwear conditionsensors 38 and footwear treatment sources 40. In FIG. 7, the UVradiation sources 16, the footwear condition sensor 38 and the footweartreatment sources 40 are interspersed with each other in a heel portion80 of the UV orthotic illuminator 78. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that other patterns of placement of the UV radiation sources16, the footwear condition sensors 38 and the footwear treatment sources40 in the UV orthotic illuminator 78 are possible. For example, the UVradiation sources 16, the footwear condition sensors 38 and the footweartreatment sources 40 can be placed in a metatarsal pad section 82 of theUV orthotic illuminator 78. Furthermore, it may be desirable to have theUV radiation sources 16, the footwear condition sensors 38 and thefootwear treatment sources 40 separate and not interspersed with eachother.

Also, the UV orthotic illuminator 78 can utilize different combinationsof the sources. For example, the heel portion 80 may only use footweartreatment sources 40 that treat certain foot ailments. Those skilled inthe art will appreciate many combinations are possible. Although the UVorthotic illuminator 78 illustrated in FIG. 7 does not disclose the useof a wave guiding structure 18 it may be configured for use with the UVradiation sources 16. Furthermore, the UV orthotic illuminator 78 mayalso be configured as a UV footwear treatment system to include acontrol unit 66 and various other components (e.g., electronics andpower supply) described with reference to FIG. 5.

FIGS. 8A-8B show an article of footwear such as a toe shoe 84 having atoe shoe UV illuminator 86 according to one embodiment of the presentinvention. The toe shoe UV illuminator 86 can include UV radiationsources 16 located in different portions of the toe shoe 84. As shown inFIG. 8A, the toe shoe UV illuminator 86 can have UV radiation sources 16located in a toe portion 88 of the toe shoe 84 including at the toes andthe top portion of the toe portion 88. FIG. 8B shows that the toe shoeUV illuminator 86 can also include a wave guiding structure 18 thatdirects UV radiation to the toe portion 88 of the toe shoe 84. In oneembodiment, the wave guiding structure can take the form of amulti-layer structure having a radiation guiding layer 46 like thatillustrated in FIG. 4. In this manner, UV radiation can be guided toeach toe of the toe portion 88 by the radiation guiding layer 46 of thewave guiding structure 18.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the toe shoe UVilluminator 86 can be configured in a different manner than theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 8. For example, the toe shoe UVilluminator 86 can be implemented with footwear condition sensors 38and/or footwear treatment sources 40. Furthermore, the toe shoe UVilluminator 86 may be configured as a UV footwear treatment system toinclude a control unit 66 with the other components (e.g., electronicsand power supply) described with reference to FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 shows a UV footwear illuminator 90 according to anotherembodiment of the present invention. The UV footwear illuminator 90 ofFIG. 9 includes an insert 92 having a toe region 94 that is configuredto provide a uniform illumination of UV radiation. In one embodiment,the toe region 94 can include partially transparent, partiallyreflective layers, wave guiding layers, reflective layers, and/ordiffusive elements that are arranged to uniformly distribute the UVradiation from UV radiation sources. Further details of these layers aredescribed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/478,266. In thisembodiment, while not shown for clarity, ultraviolet sources can beconfigured such that ultraviolet illumination enters the toe region 94.For example, ultraviolet sources can be placed in proximity to theregion 94, with a light guiding structure described herein used to guideand emit diffusive ultraviolet radiation within the toe region 94.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the other configurationsfor UV footwear illuminator 90 are possible. For example, the UVfootwear illuminator 90 can be implemented with footwear conditionsensors 38 and/or footwear treatment sources 40. Furthermore, the UVfootwear illuminator 90 may be configured as a UV footwear treatmentsystem to include a control unit 66 with the other components (e.g.,electronics and power supply) described with reference to FIG. 5.

FIG. 10 shows a UV footwear illuminator 96 according to anotherembodiment of the present invention. The UV footwear illuminator 96 ofFIG. 10 includes an insert 92 having a toe region 94 and a main body 98encompassing an arch portion and a heel portion of the footwear. Asshown in FIG. 10, both the toe region 94 and the main body 98 of theinsert 92 can have diffusive elements 42 positioned along differentsections of each to direct and pattern UV radiation emitted from UVradiation sources, which can be located anywhere along the main body 98.In particular, the diffusive elements 42 can distribute the UV radiationalong the insert 92, the article of footwear that the UV footwearilluminator 96 is deployed with and/or at a foot of a wearer that isplaced on the insert. The set of diffusive elements 42 can be configuredin various arrangements along the main body 98 and/or the toe region 94to distribute the UV radiation in a uniform pattern and/or in anon-uniform pattern. As discussed with regard to FIG. 3, the diffusiveelements 42 can be formed from the any of the aforementioned materialsand take the form of various shapes and sizes in order to facilitatescattering and dispersal of the UV radiation in a desired arrangement.

The UV footwear illuminator 96 can further include toe protrusions 100(e.g., 100A, 1006, 100C and 100D) to facilitate footwear treatment ofthe toe region 94. In one embodiment, the toe protrusions 100A-100D canbe affixed to a periphery portion of the toe region 94 to apply adisinfection treatment thereof. The toe protrusions 100A-100D caninclude any combination of one or more: ultraviolet sources, lightguiding structures, diffusive elements, and/or the like, as describedherein. In one embodiment, the toe protrusions 100A-100D can perform adisinfection treatment of the toe region 94 by illuminating acorresponding portion of a shoe with ultraviolet light as describedherein.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the UV footwearilluminator 96 can be configured in a different manner than theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 10. For example, the UV footwearilluminator 96 can be implemented with footwear condition sensors 38and/or footwear treatment sources 40. Furthermore, the UV footwearilluminator 96 may be configured as a UV footwear treatment system toinclude a control unit 66 with the other components (e.g., electronicsand power supply) described with reference to FIG. 5. Although the UVfootwear illuminator 96 is shown in FIG. 10 with only four toeprotrusions 100A-100D, it is understood that this is only illustrativeand that the UV footwear illuminator 96 can include at least oneprotrusion or up to five protrusions.

The various embodiments of the present invention described herein arealso suitable for use as shoe inserts or shoe trees that approximate theshape of a foot that is placed inside an article of footwear such as ashoe to preserve its shape, stop it from developing creases and therebyextend the life of the shoe. FIG. 11 shows a shoe tree 102 according toone embodiment of the present invention. The shoe tree 102 of FIG. 11includes shoe insert bodies 104 (e.g., 104A and 104B) coupled togetherby springs 106. Each shoe insert body 104A and 104B can include UVradiation sources 16 and/or footwear treatment sources 40 forfacilitating a footwear treatment of an article of footwear that theshoe tree 102 is placed in. The springs 106 are compressible andstretchable to enable the shoe insert body 104A to be verticallydisplaced with respect to the shoe insert body 1046. Although FIG. 11shows three springs in use it is not meant to be limit the scope of thisembodiment. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize thatthe shoe tree 102 may be deployed with other compressive mechanisms.

Once the shoe body 104 (i.e., 104A and 104B) is placed in an article offootwear, then one can separate the shoe body 104A from the shoe body1046 an amount that is sufficient to allow the shoe tree 102 to take theshape of the footwear. The desired tightness of incorporation of theshoe tree 102 in the footwear is user dependent. Once the shoe tree 102is placed inside the article of footwear, an actuator 108 such as aswitch and/or the like can be engaged to enable the shoe tree 102 toperform a footwear treatment. At least one of the shoe insert bodies104A and 1046 can include an operation indicator 110 to include thestatus of the footwear treatment. For example, the operation indicator110 can indicate whether a footwear treatment is currently in process,whether the treatment is finished, whether there was an issue associatedwith the treatment, etc. Once the footwear treatment is over, then theactuator 108 can be disengaged manually or automatically upon completionof the treatment or an issue therewith.

Although the shoe bodies 104A and 1046 of shoe tree 102 are shown inFIG. 11 shown with UV radiation sources 16 and footwear treatmentsources 40, this arrangement is not intended to be limited to such aconfiguration. For example, the footwear condition sensors 38 can bearranged with the UV radiation sources 16 and the footwear treatmentsources 40. Also, the wave guiding structures 18 can be used inconjunction with the UV radiation sources 16 to distribute UV radiationto the footwear that the shoe tree 102 is placed in. Diffusive elements42 can also be deployed with the shoe bodies 104A and 1046 to facilitatescattering and dispersal of the emitted UV radiation. The shoe bodies104A and 1046 can also include a control unit 66 and other components(e.g., electronics and power supply) as described with reference to FIG.5 to facilitate the footwear treatment operations performed by the shoetree 102 and enable it to function as a UV footwear treatment system.

Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the shoe bodies 104Aand 1046 can have only UV radiation sources 16 or only footweartreatment sources 40. Also, one shoe body 104 can have only UV radiationsources 16 while the other shoe body can have only footwear treatmentsources 40. Similarly, the UV radiation sources 16 and the footweartreatment sources 40 can be arranged with each other on the shoe bodiesin any direction and pattern as desired to effectuate a suitabletreatment.

FIG. 12 shows a shoe tree 112 according to another embodiment of thepresent invention. In this embodiment, the shoe tree 112 is inflatableto take the shape of the footwear that it is placed. As shown in FIG.12, the shoe tree 112 can include an inflatable main body 114 that isconfigured to take the shape of an article of footwear. The inflatablemain body 114 includes a valve 116 that enables one to pump the mainbody so that the body inflates to take the shape of the footwear. Thevalve 116 enables the user to inflate the shoe tree 112 with enough airto obtain the desired tightness within the footwear. The shoe tree 112of FIG. 12 further includes UV radiation sources 16 arranged along themain body 114.

Once the shoe tree 112 is placed inside the article of footwear, anactuator 108 such as a switch and/or the like located on the main body114 can be engaged to enable the shoe tree 112 to perform a footweartreatment. The main body 114 of the shoe tree 112 can further include anoperation indicator 110 to include the status of the footwear treatment.The operation indicator 110 can indicate items of information including,but not limited to, whether a footwear treatment is currently inprocess, whether the treatment is finished, whether there was an issueassociated with the treatment, etc. Once the footwear treatment is over,then the actuator 108 can be disengaged manually or automatically uponcompletion of the treatment or an issue therewith.

FIG. 13 shows a shoe tree 118 according to another embodiment of thepresent invention. In this embodiment, the shoe tree 118 is alsoinflatable to take the shape of the footwear that it is placed like theshoe tree 112 of FIG. 12. In this embodiment, the main body 114 of theshoe tree 118 of FIG. 13 includes a wave guiding structure 18 that canhave a radiation guiding layer as described herein and a set ofdiffusive elements 42 arranged along an upper portion 120 of the mainbody 114.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the shoes trees of FIGS.12-13 can be arranged with many of the aforementioned components in oneof a number of different combinations. For example, the UV radiationsources 16, the footwear treatment sources 40, the waveguide structure18 and the diffusive elements can be configured with the shoe trees ofFIGS. 12-13 all together, separate, or combinations thereof to obtain adesired direction and pattern of UV radiation that effectuates afootwear treatment. Similarly, it may be desirable to utilize one ormore footwear condition sensors 38 with the shoe trees of FIGS. 12-13.Furthermore, the shoes trees of FIGS. 12-13 can also include a controlunit 66 and electronics and power supply as described with reference toFIG. 5 to facilitate the footwear treatment operations performed by theshoe trees, and enable them to function as UV footwear treatmentsystems.

The various UV footwear illuminators, UV footwear treatment systems,articles of footwear and shoe trees described herein can employmaterials that further facilitate the footwear and medical treatments.For example, the materials used for the various foot inserts of the UVfootwear illuminators, the articles of footwear and the main bodies ofthe shoe trees can include photocatalytic layers, such as a titaniumoxide (TiO₂) photocatalytic layer, a copper photocatalytic layer, asilver photocatalytic layer and/or the like, to improve the efficiencyof a footwear treatment such as a disinfection operation. In oneembodiment, a UV-TiO₂ photocatalytic layer is non-toxic and has a broadspectrum sterilizing ability, making it suitable for use with any one ofthe various embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, thematerials used for the various UV footwear illuminators, UV footweartreatment systems, articles of footwear and shoe trees described hereincan include materials that are waterproof, water resistant, and tearresistant, such as one or more of the materials described herein.

It is understood, that during some footwear treatment operations it maybe desirable for a user of any of the various embodiments of the presentinvention to avoid the UV radiation. For example, during a disinfectioncycle where UV radiation sources are operating in a UV-C range, thefootwear illuminators, footwear treatment systems, articles of footwearand shoe trees should probably be isolated from the user to avoidirradiating him or her with any UV light. One approach can includeplacing the footwear illuminators, footwear treatment systems, articlesof footwear and shoe trees in a UV absorbing box. Once inside the box,then one of the footwear illuminators, footwear treatment systems,articles of footwear and shoe trees can be activated by switch afterclosing the UV absorbing box. A cover of such a UV absorbing box canhave a visible indicator to provide status information on any footweartreatment operations being performed.

FIG. 14 shows an illustrative system 1000 for implementing a UV footwearilluminator and a UV footwear treatment system described hereinaccording to one embodiment. The system 1000 of FIG. 14 includes amonitoring and/or control system 1010, which is implemented as acomputer system 1020 including an analysis program 1030, which makes thecomputer system 1020 operable to manage UV radiation sources 16,footwear condition sensors 38 and footwear treatment sources 40 byperforming a process described herein. Portions of the system 1000 canbe located within the UV footwear illuminators and UV footwear treatmentsystems as discussed herein. In particular, the analysis program 1030can enable the computer system 1020 to operate the UV radiation sources16 to generate and direct UV radiation through a UV transparent windowand process data corresponding to one or more conditions of an articleof footwear detected by one or more of the footwear conditions sensors38 which is acquired by an input unit 1035. Similarly, the analysisprogram 1030 can enable the computer system 1020 to operate the footweartreatment sources 40 to perform one of the operations and process datacorresponding to one or more conditions of the article of footweardetected by one or more of the footwear conditions sensors 38.

The computer system 1020 is shown including a processing component 1022(e.g., one or more processors), a storage component 1024 (e.g., astorage hierarchy), an input/output (I/O) component 1026 (e.g., one ormore I/O interfaces and/or devices), and a communications pathway 1028.In general, the processing component 1022 executes program code, such asthe analysis program 1030, which is at least partially fixed in storagecomponent 1024. While executing program code, the processing component1022 can process data, which can result in reading and/or writingtransformed data from/to the storage component 1024 and/or the I/Ocomponent 1026 for further processing. The pathway 1028 provides acommunications link between each of the components in the computersystem 1020. The I/O component 1026 can comprise one or more human I/Odevices, which enable a human user 1040 to interact with the computersystem 1020 and/or one or more communications devices to enable a systemuser 1040 to communicate with the computer system 1020 using any type ofcommunications link via an external interface 1033. To this extent, theanalysis program 1030 can manage a set of interfaces (e.g., graphicaluser interface(s), application program interface, and/or the like) thatenable human and/or system users 1040 to interact with the analysisprogram 1030. Furthermore, the analysis program 1030 can manage (e.g.,store, retrieve, create, manipulate, organize, present, etc.) the data,such as analysis data 1040, using any solution.

In any event, the computer system 1020 can comprise one or more generalpurpose computing articles of manufacture (e.g., computing devices)capable of executing program code, such as the analysis program 1030,installed thereon. As used herein, it is understood that “program code”means any collection of instructions, in any language, code or notation,that cause a computing device having an information processingcapability to perform a particular action either directly or after anycombination of the following: (a) conversion to another language, codeor notation; (b) reproduction in a different material form; and/or (c)decompression. To this extent, the analysis program 1030 can be embodiedas any combination of system software and/or application software.

Furthermore, the analysis program 1030 can be implemented using a set ofmodules 1032. In this case, a module 1032 can enable the computer system1020 to perform a set of tasks used by the analysis program 1030, andcan be separately developed and/or implemented apart from other portionsof the analysis program 1030. As used herein, the term “component” meansany configuration of hardware, with or without software, whichimplements the functionality described in conjunction therewith usingany solution, while the term “module” means program code that enables acomputer system 1020 to implement the actions described in conjunctiontherewith using any solution. When fixed in a storage component 1024 ofa computer system 1020 that includes a processing component 1022, amodule is a substantial portion of a component that implements theactions. Regardless, it is understood that two or more components,modules, and/or systems may share some/all of their respective hardwareand/or software. Furthermore, it is understood that some of thefunctionality discussed herein may not be implemented or additionalfunctionality may be included as part of the computer system 1020.

When the computer system 1020 comprises multiple computing devices, eachcomputing device can have only a portion of the analysis program 1030fixed thereon (e.g., one or more modules 1032). However, it isunderstood that the computer system 1020 and the analysis program 1030are only representative of various possible equivalent computer systemsthat may perform a process described herein. To this extent, in otherembodiments, the functionality provided by the computer system 1020 andthe analysis program 1030 can be at least partially implemented by oneor more computing devices that include any combination of general and/orspecific purpose hardware with or without program code. In eachembodiment, the hardware and program code, if included, can be createdusing standard engineering and programming techniques, respectively.

Regardless, when the computer system 1020 includes multiple computingdevices, the computing devices can communicate over any type ofcommunications link. Furthermore, while performing a process describedherein, the computer system 1020 can communicate with one or more othercomputer systems using any type of communications link. In either case,the communications link can comprise any combination of various types ofoptical fiber, wired, and/or wireless links; comprise any combination ofone or more types of networks; and/or utilize any combination of varioustypes of transmission techniques and protocols. Furthermore, thecomputer system 1020 can be programmed via WiFi. In this embodiment, thecomputer system 1020 can provide reports to the user 1040 or one or moreother computer systems via WiFi regarding any aspect to the illustrativeenvironment 1000, including, but not limited to UV illumination ofarticles of footwear for footwear treatment. Similarly, the computersystem 1020 can generate footwear treatment operation status informationvia a status indicator 1037.

While shown and described herein as a method and system for UVillumination of articles of footwear for footwear treatment, it isunderstood that aspects of the present invention further provide variousalternative embodiments. For example, in one embodiment, the variousembodiments of the present invention provide a computer program fixed inat least one computer-readable medium, which when executed, enables acomputer system to disinfect an area using UV radiation. To this extent,the computer-readable medium includes program code, such as the analysisprogram 1030 (FIG. 14), which enables a computer system to implementsome or all of a process described herein. It is understood that theterm “computer-readable medium” comprises one or more of any type oftangible medium of expression, now known or later developed, from whicha copy of the program code can be perceived, reproduced, or otherwisecommunicated by a computing device. For example, the computer-readablemedium can comprise: one or more portable storage articles ofmanufacture; one or more memory/storage components of a computingdevice; paper; and/or the like.

In another embodiment, the various embodiments of the present inventionprovide a method of providing a copy of program code, such as theanalysis program 1030 (FIG. 14), which enables a computer system toimplement some or all of a process described herein. In this case, acomputer system can process a copy of the program code to generate andtransmit, for reception at a second, distinct location, a set of datasignals that has one or more of its characteristics set and/or changedin such a manner as to encode a copy of the program code in the set ofdata signals. Similarly, an embodiment of the present invention providesa method of acquiring a copy of the program code, which includes acomputer system receiving the set of data signals described herein, andtranslating the set of data signals into a copy of the computer programfixed in at least one computer-readable medium. In either case, the setof data signals can be transmitted/received using any type ofcommunications link.

In still another embodiment, the various embodiments of the presentinvention provide a method for UV illumination of articles of footwearfor footwear treatment. In this case, the generating can includeconfiguring a computer system, such as the computer system 1020 (FIG.14), to implement the method for UV illumination of articles of footwearfor footwear treatment. The configuring can include obtaining (e.g.,creating, maintaining, purchasing, modifying, using, making available,etc.) one or more hardware components, with or without one or moresoftware modules, and setting up the components and/or modules toimplement a process described herein. To this extent, the configuringcan include deploying one or more components to the computer system,which can comprise one or more of: (1) installing program code on acomputing device; (2) adding one or more computing and/or I/O devices tothe computer system; (3) incorporating and/or modifying the computersystem to enable it to perform a process described herein; and/or thelike.

The foregoing description of the various aspects of the presentinvention has been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the variousembodiments of the present invention to the precise form disclosed, andobviously, many modifications and variations are possible. Suchmodifications and variations that may be apparent to an individual inthe art are considered to fall within the scope of the variousembodiments of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An ultraviolet (UV) footwear illuminator,comprising: an insert adapted for placement in an article of footwear;at least one UV radiation source located in the insert configured toemit UV radiation in the footwear through a transparent window regionformed in the insert; a control unit configured to control at least oneof a plurality of predetermined UV radiation characteristics associatedwith the radiation emitted from each UV radiation source; and a powersupply configured to power each UV radiation source and the controlunit.
 2. The UV footwear illuminator according to claim 1, wherein theinsert comprises an insole for use in the footwear.
 3. The UV footwearilluminator according to claim 1, further comprising an actuatorconfigured to activate each UV radiation source.
 4. The UV footwearilluminator according to claim 1, further comprising at least onefootwear condition sensor located in the insert, each sensor configuredto generate a condition signal representative of an operationalparameter of the insert and/or footwear.
 5. The UV footwear illuminatoraccording to claim 4, wherein each footwear condition sensor is selectedfrom the group consisting of a pressure sensor, a moisture sensor, ahumidity sensor, a bacterial fluorescent sensor, a temperature sensor, achemical sensor, a radiation sensor, and a proximity sensor.
 6. The UVfootwear illuminator according to claim 4, wherein the control unitcontrols each predetermined UV radiation characteristic as a function ofeach condition signal generated from each footwear condition sensor. 7.The UV footwear illuminator according to claim 1, further comprising awave guiding structure configured to distribute the UV radiationgeneration from each UV radiation source to a particular location withinthe footwear.
 8. The UV footwear illuminator according to claim 7,wherein the wave guiding structure is a radiation guiding layercomprising a plurality of diffusive elements coupled thereto thatdistribute the UV radiation in a uniform pattern.
 9. The UV footwearilluminator according to claim 7, wherein the wave guiding structurecomprises a plurality of protrusions configured to direct the UVradiation to a toe portion of the footwear.
 10. The UV footwearilluminator according to claim 7, wherein the wave guiding structurecomprises a multilayer structure having at least one UV transparentfluoropolymer layer disposed between a pair of segmented liquid layers,a plurality of diffusive protrusions disposed in at least one of theliquid layers, and an encapsulation layer that encapsulates the at leastone UV transparent fluoropolymer layer, the pair of liquid layers andthe plurality of diffusive protrusions.
 11. The UV footwear illuminatoraccording to claim 10, wherein each UV radiation source is coupled tothe wave guiding structure.
 12. An ultraviolet (UV) footwear treatmentsystem, comprising: an insert adapted for placement in an article offootwear; at least one UV radiation source enclosed in the insertconfigured to emit UV radiation in the footwear through a transparentwindow region formed in the insert; and a wave guiding structureconfigured to distribute the UV radiation generated from each UVradiation source throughout the footwear.
 13. The UV footwear treatmentsystem according to claim 12, further comprising: at least one footwearcondition sensor located in the insert, each sensor configured togenerate a footwear condition signal representative of an operationalcondition; and a control unit configured to receive the footwearcondition signal from each footwear condition sensor and control atleast one of a plurality of predetermined UV radiation characteristicsassociated with the radiation emitted from each UV radiation source as afunction of the footwear condition signal.
 14. The UV footwear treatmentsystem according to claim 13, wherein the control unit comprises awireless transmitter and receiver that is configured to transmitfootwear treatment results to a remote location and receive operationalinstructions therefrom.
 15. The UV footwear treatment system accordingto claim 13, further comprising at least one footwear treatment sourceenclosed within the insert controlled by the control unit, the at leastone footwear treatment source comprising one of a visible source, aninfrared source, a heating source, a vibrational source, a medicaltreatment source and a chemical treatment source.
 16. The UV footweartreatment system according to claim 13, further comprising a powersupply configured to power each UV radiation source and the controlunit, the power supply comprising at least one of: a battery supply, avibrational power generator, a capacitor, and a mechanical energy toelectrical energy converter.
 17. The UV footwear treatment systemaccording to claim 13, further comprising an operation indicator thatprovides status information of any footwear treatment operationperformed on the footwear.
 18. An article of footwear, comprising: aninsole insert having at least one UV radiation source located thereinconfigured to emit UV radiation in the footwear through a transparentwindow region; a wave guiding structure configured to distribute the UVradiation generation from each UV radiation source throughout thefootwear; at least one footwear condition sensor located in the insert,each sensor configured to generate a footwear condition signalrepresentative of an operational condition; and a control unitconfigured to control operation of the at least one UV radiation sourceand the at least one footwear condition sensor.
 19. The article offootwear according to claim 18, wherein the wave guiding structureincludes a plurality of diffusive elements that distribute the UVradiation throughout the footwear.
 20. The article of footwear accordingto claim 18, further comprising a toe portion having at least one toe UVradiation source to emit UV radiation at the toes of a wearer of thefootwear.